I just wanted to give a quick shout-out to Stephanie Ford, who wrapped up her duties as a panelist in fiction picture books recently. She blogged about what went on behind the scenes, which I found fascinating and fun. We're all about transparency here, so thanks, Stephanie, for parting the curtains for us. –Anne Levy, Editor
Blog Award: Premios Dardo
I've never heard of the Premios Dardo award, but Cybils has won one. Many thanks to Pam at MotherReader for this fine honor, which “acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his/her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary and personal values every day.” We feel very smart now. -Anne Levy, Editor
The 2009 Cybils coming soon!
Get your 2008 winners right here! Oh, and check out last season's finalists too. Nominations for the new 2009 season open Oct. 1. Read about us here.
2008 Non-Fiction MG/YA Finalists
11 Planets: A New View of the Solar System written by David Aguilar National Geographic Children’s Books My Very Exciting Magic Carpet Just Sailed Under Nine Palace Elephants (10-year-old Maryn Smith’s winning entry for the National Geographic Children’s Book Planetary Mnemonic Contest). So begins this engaging introduction to the newly classified solar system. Stunning artwork, cool facts on how the …
The 2008 Cybils Finalists
Ta-da … The Big Reveal. Can I remind everyone that our panelists are the world’s most fabulous book bloggers? They had to hunt down an extraordinary number of titles on their own this year. Blame the economy, as review copies were often hard to come by. A round of applause, please, as our hard-working panelists pass the baton to our …
2008 Fantasy & Science Fiction Finalists
Elementary/Middle Grade: Cabinet of Wonderswritten by Marie Rutkoski Macmillan Petra Kronos lives in a small Czech village with her father, an artisan who can move metal with his mind and work with invisible tools. When her father is commissioned by the prince to build a marvelous clock, he goes off to Prague–and comes back blinded. The prince has stolen his …
2008 Fiction Picture Book Finalists
Abe Lincoln Crosses A Creek: A Tall Thin Tale (Introducing His Forgotten Frontier Friend) written by Deborah Hopkinson illustrated by John Hendrix Schwartz and Wade Books In a year abundant in releases about our 16th president, this picture book title stands out for its originality, vibrant illustrations, and interactive flair. While the setting is historical, the mood is thoroughly modern …
2008 Easy Reader Finalists
Houndsley and Catina and the Quiet Time written by James Howe Candlewick Press Houndsley and Catina in the Quiet Time tells of best friends that find themselves snowed in on the day of the big concert they’ve been preparing for over the last month. Catina is frantic with anxiety about the shopping and prepping they won’t be able to do, …
2008 Graphic Novels Finalists
Elementary/Middle Grade: Chiggers written and illustrated by Hope Larson Aladdin The mysteries and discoveries of adolescence are given a fresh-air, summer camp setting in this skillfully-drawn, sweetly-written graphic novel that always rings true. Into the Volcano written and illustrated by Don Wood Blue Sky Press Two brothers’ trip to Hawaii takes them into the heart of a real volcano hiding …
2008 Young Adult Fiction Finalists
Audrey, Wait! written by Robin Benway Penguin USA Audrey started it by breaking up with Evan, but when he releases a hit song about her things quickly spiral out of control in this fresh, funny novel by Robin Benway. Audrey’s distinct, snarky voice and her passion for music immediately sucked me in to the story. Lots of musical details and …